Defenders Extra: State bar announces disciplinary actions

Disciplinary Actions — September 2012

Judicial Actions
On March 28, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public admonition to Judge J. Kent Adams [#00863500], 74, of Spring. The Commission concluded that Adams, Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Place 1, failed to comply with the law and demonstrated a lack of professional competence in the law by failing to promptly forward a motion to recuse to the presiding administrative judge for resolution. While attorney Henry Nguyen’s allegations of bias against the judge may have offended the judge, who disputed the events described in Nguyen’s affidavit, the judge’s attempts to negotiate the contents of the motion with Nguyen, coupled with his efforts to have Nguyen prosecuted for perjury, created such a perception of bias and partiality as to warrant Judge Adams’ recusal. In addition, the judge acknowledged being angry and impatient with Nguyen, using an expletive during a hearing to express his frustration and impatience with Nguyen, and demonstrating a lack of patience, dignity, and courtesy expected of a judicial officer. The Commission concludes that Judge Adams’ conduct constituted willful or persistent violations of Canons 2A and 3B(2), (4), and (5) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and Article V, Section 1-a(6)A of the Texas Constitution.
On June 21, a Special Court of Review ordered, adjudged, and decreed that the public admonition issued by the Commission is affirmed.

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Defenders Extra: State bar announces disciplinary actions